The Pṛthivī Sūkta of the Atharva Veda describes the beauty of the earth as poetic, mystical, and very real. Its hymns give praise to medicinal plants, to inter-human relationships, and to Mother Earth. When meditating upon this text and the striking photographs from around the world that accompany each verse, we witness the Hindu tradition of reverence for nature and all forms of life. This book represents a powerful tradition that needs to be remembered, nurtured, and activated in our contemporary context.

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Introduction

A Reader’s Guide

Pṛthivī Sūkta

Selected Bibliography

Photo List

Notes on Contributors

“What an inspiration! The amazing range of earth images—from mountains to children, butterflies to tree bark—fill the heart with awe and bring to life the beauty of this ancient scripture. Read this powerful book, and watch your consciousness be transformed!”

—Laura Cornell, Ph.D., Founder, Green Yoga Association

“This hymn brings ancient beauty and wisdom into the modern age. The translation flows beautifully.”

—Swami Veda Bharati, D. Lit., Director of Sadhana Mandir, Rishikesh

“ThePṛthivīSūkta of the Atharva Veda holds a treasured place as the world’s religions begin their retrieval, re-evaluation, and reconstruction to bring about a re-alignment of their thought and practice prompted by the dire needs of the Earth. For the broad human meditative community, this text offers a profound praise song delighting in existence. The translators deserve our thanks for this wonderful expression of their joy in scholarly engagement.”

—John Grim, Ph.D., Co-Director of the Forum on Religion and Ecology, Yale University